Have you ever wondered what the difference between biscotti and cantucci is? Actually, the difference is in the words themselves.
Biscotti is the plural form of the word biscotto. In Italy, biscotti refers to any kind of biscuit at all, whatever the ingredients. What we call cookies in America are referred to as biscuits in Italy. So any kind of cookies are known as biscotti to Italians.
The Latin word biscoctus, meaning "twice-cooked seems to be where the word "biscotti" originated. Therefore, twice baked cookies or biscuits in Italy are called biscotti.
Most of us in the States think of biscotti only in terms of the hard cookies we like to dip in coffee or hot chocolate. Biscotti typically contain fat, cantucci, if made traditionally, do not.
Cantucci and cantuccini, possibly made famous by Antonio Mattei, originated in the town of Prato and always have almonds. "Ini" is the diminutive form meaning little, so cantuccini are the smaller cantucci.
Cantucci are very ancient cookies which date back to medieval times. In those days of long journeys and warfare, people baked biscuits twice because they needed food that could be easily stored for longer periods of time. It is believed Christopher Columbus carried these with him in his travels.
A manuscript kept in Prato, dated in the eighteenth century, is believed to be the first documented cantucci recipe. They were named as the Biscotti of Genoa.
If your biscotti contain chocolate chips, chocolate or any other variation on top, raisins, figs or any dried fruit, you are not eating cantucci or cantuccini; you are eating biscotti.
Ok, so now that you are confused, let me explain how they are usually eaten. Since both forms of these delights are hard, most people like to dip them into a liquid to soften them up. There are rules for this!!
Remember, biscotti are cookies of any form, made from any ingredient. Italians consider it proper to dip these in coffee, milk, hot chocolate or sometimes tea
Only one acceptable choice for dipping cantucci is Vin Santo, an Italian sweet dessert wine. At the end of a long Italian meal, a dessert consisting of a couple of almond-studded cantucci and a small glass of Vin Santo, is more than satisfying.
The only other thing would be a shot of espresso to complete the meal.
Hope this was more informative than confusing!
Remember,
Keep on the Sunnyside!
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